Benefits of Technology in Early Childhood education

Technology can enhance cognitive and social learning when it supports “play, creativity, exploration, pretend and active play and outdoor activities,” according to the NAEYC. 

In 2013, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), together with the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Media, published a position statement endorsing the use of digital technology for young children:

Technology and interactive media are tools that can promote effective learning and development when they are used intentionally by early childhood educators, within the framework of developmentally appropriate practice, to support learning goals established for individual children.

The key is to pay attention to the quality of digital media exposure, as well as the quantity. 

Appropriate use of technology in early childhood classrooms will focus on enriching content that teaches vital skills and concepts, rather than mindless entertainment that displaces offline activities and social interaction.

There are many ways our teachers are incorporating digital content into a structured preschool, and kindergarten curriculum at Strawberry School: 

• Teachers can use technology in a purposeful way that is similar to other learning materials, such as blocks, art supplies, toys, books and writing instruments.

• Technology is one valuable tool for children to record, save, revisit and share what they learn from their lessons each day.

• Digital media can introduce concepts that may not be readily available in person — such as historic events or people, extinct animals or geography.

• Assistive technologies can promote the development of children with special needs.

• Preschool and Kindergarten technology tools may also promote an early foundation for digital literacy — in which children learn appropriate ways of using technology for constructive learning activities, rather than for mindless, passive entertainment.